What To Do

Cultural Activities

From the stage to the gallery, from outdoor concerts to theaters, Bedford and surrounding areas offer an exciting range of outstanding cultural events. Rediscover the traditions of bluegrass, blues and country music, attend festivals with an international flair, explore the artists of the 18th and 19th centuries, or take in opera, ballet or plays that draw crowds from the entire area. Bedford, just one-half hour from Roanoke and Lynchburg, opens the doors to cultural opportunities. Check out our calendar for a listing and dates of all regional events.

Bedford Council for the Arts
The Cultural Committee of Bedford Main Street, Inc.
P. O. Box 672
Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-2148

The Friends of the Bedford Public Library
321 North Bridge St
Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-8911 ext 18
Web: www.friendsofbedfordlibrary.org
Email: folbedfordva@qmail.com

Little Town Players
Elks National Home Theatre
P. O. Box 437
Bedford, VA  24523
Patsy Martin, President
540-586-5881
540-586-5144 - Fax
Email: president@littletownplayers.com
Web: www.littletownplayers.com
Bedford's award winning community theatre, offering a yearly Fall to Spring season of comedies, dramas and musicals with Summer Theatre camps for youth.

The Sedalia Center
1108 Sedalia School Road
Big Island, VA 24526
434-299-5080
434-299-6463 - Fax
Email: events@sedalia.center.org
Web: www.sedaliacenter.org
Visitors to the Center enjoy large cultural festivals featuring internationally known talent in the outdoor covered pavilion. The Center also offers a wide range of art related classes for adults and children, along with monthly Coffeehouses. The Sedalia Center is the perfect destination for families to enjoy the beauty and splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains in a fun and safe environment.

Bedford City/County Museum
201 East Main Street
Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-4520
Web: www.bedfordvamuseum.org
Collections that tell Bedford's story from its earliest Native American residents through the last half of the 20th century. Popular exhibits include the Company A of the 116th Infantry, a Native American and African American exhibits. Genealogical records and other materials for research about Bedford and Virginia are here. Inquire about our research assistance for genealogists outside the Bedford area. The museum is open from 10-5 Monday thru Saturday.

The Bedford Historical Society
315 North Bridge Street
P. O. Box 602
Bedford, VA 24523
Email: bedfordhs@aol.com
Web: www.bedfordhistory.org/

Bedford Main Street & Bedford Walking Tour
108 E. Main Street
Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-2148
Web: www.centertownbedford.com

The Arts Council of the Blue Ridge
20 East Church Avenue
Roanoke, VA 24011
540-342-5790
Web: www.theartscouncil.org

Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest
P.O. Box 419
Forest, VA 24551
434-534-8118
Web: www.poplarforest.org

Booker T. Washington National Monument
12130 Booker T. Washington Highway
Hardy, VA 24101
540-721-2094
Web: www.nps.gov/bowa

The National D-Day Memorial Foundation
P.O. Box 77
Bedford, VA 24523
800-351-DDAY, 540-586-DDAY
Web: www.dday.org

Bedford Community Orchestra
540-947-0208
Email: BedfordCommOrch@hotmail.com
The Bedford Community Orchestra (BCO), founded in 1989, is a non-profit organization serving Bedford County and surrounding communities. The orchestra has two seasons per year, ending in free public concerts in the spring and fall. The orchestra is sponsored by the Bedford County Parks and Recreation Department and by the Elks National Home.

BCO's repertoire consists of orchestral scores representing the baroque, classical, impressionistic and romantic periods as well as contemporary movie scores, jazz and pop arrangements. Concerts include full orchestra and small ensembles.

Bedford Academy for the Arts
305 North Bridge Street
Bedford, VA 24523
540-586-4235

Web: www.bedfordartacademy.org

For additional information, schedules and ticket information on regional cultural events. We have a variety of adult classes, youth classes, concerts/performances and exhibits.

Smith Mountain Lake
800-676-8203, 540-721-1203
Web: www.visitsmithmountainlake.com

Lynchburg
1-800-REAL VA 1, 434-847-1811
Web: www.lynchburgchamber.org

Roanoke
800-635-5535
Web: www.visitroanokeva.com

Franklin County
540-483-9009
Web: www.visitfranklincountyVA.org

Nelson County
800-282-8223, 434-263-5239
Web: www.nelsoncounty.com

Lexington/Rockbridge County
877-453-9822, 540-463-1105
Web: www.lexingtonvirginia.com

Appomattox County
800-388-9119, 703-838-4200
Web: www.appomotox.com

Charlottesville/Albermarle
877-386-1102, 434-293-6789
Web: www.pursuecharlottesville.com

Salem
888-VA SALEM, 540-375-4044
Web: www.visitsalemva.com

Upcoming Events

  • Aug 2 - The Tams in Concert - What can be said about one of the most beloved groups in recent history? Recently voted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this group has had many number one hits. Opening for The Tams will be the Part-Time Party-Time band. Gates open at 4:30 and music starts at 6pm. Festival held rain or shine, and no coolers or pets, please. - The Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Road, Big Island - 434-299-5080 - www.sedaliacenter.org

  • Aug 15 - Aug 16 - Rockin' 08 - New to the Sedalia line-up, this festival offers local area bands a venue to perform. This two day festival will offer rock music for all ages, by all ages. Whether you enjoy progressive, metal or classic rock, this festival is sure to have something for you. No coolers or pets, please. Festival held rain or shine. - The Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Road, Big Island - $ - 434-299-5080 - www.sedaliacenter.org

  • Aug 16 - Bedford County Family Farm Tour - 10:00am - 3:00pm - In celebration of agriculture past and present, this year's tour will highlight Johnson's Orchard and Peaks of Otter Winery, a 5th generation family farm established in 1918 and celebrating 90 years at this site. Anticipated activities on Tour Day include orchard and winery tours, viewing the major soil and water conservation practices the farm has established to protect our environment, a demonstration of an antique cider press, farm equipment and livestock; a demonstration hive of honeybees; and Bedford Area Master Gardeners on hand to answer lawn and landscape questions. Additionally, groups scheduled to be with us with information and displays include the Peaks of Otter Soil and Water Conservation District, the Society of St. Andrew, Hunters for the Hungry, The Lynchburg Bird Club, and Bedford 4-H. You will enjoy food samples and informative demonstrations. You are invited to bring a picnic lunch and camera, but please leave your pets at home. Lunch and locally produced foods will be available for purchase. - Johnson's Orchard and Peaks of Otter Winery. From Bedford, take Rt. 460 West for about 1/2 mile. Turn right on Rt. 680 (Patterson Mill Rd.). Follow road for about 4-1/2 miles, Rt. 680 bears right and becomes Sheep Creek Rd., continue on Rt. 680 for about 1 mile, farm on left. - Free - 540-586-7675 - offices.ext.vt.edu/bedford

These events and more can be found in our event calendar.

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